Bayern Munich's new assist kings? Joshua Kimmich & Ismael Saibari shine as Michael Olise opens 2026/27 account
Bayern Munich staked their claim for the 2026/27 Bundesliga title with a 5-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 1. In a rematch of last season's DFB Cup final, Joshua Kimmich and substitute Ismael Saibari each set up two goals, while Michael Olise opened his account for the campaign.
It was Kimmich who helped break the deadlock after 21 minutes, when his inch-perfect corner kick found the head of Dayot Upamecano, who flicked the ball into the far corner of the Stuttgart net. The 31-year-old then assisted Michael Olise just before the hour-mark to help restore Bayern's lead after Josha Vagnoman's leveller.
Keen to get in on the action was new Bayern signing Saibari, who came on for the final 30 minutes of the match at the Allianz Arena. He wasted no time endearing himself to the home faithful, setting up Aleksandar Pavlović and Luis Díaz for their late goals to round off a dominant home win.
Watch: Bayern Munich 5-1 VfB Stuttgart - highlights
Olise - along with Díaz and star striker Harry Kane - is no stranger to dominating the headlines for Bayern, but the ever-reliable Kimmich and summer signing Saibari could hardly have wished for better starts to the season after making a decisive impact against the Swabians.
"It always remains tight for a long time against Stuttgart," Kimmich said afterwards. "It was very intense, but we ended up finding the spaces."
Just like the German national team captain, veteran keeper Manuel Neuer also delivered a strong performance against Stuttgart. It was a welcome return to form for the 40-year-old, who made his 600th competitive appearance for Bayern on Friday.
There may have been room for improvement against Borussia Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup last weekend, but - ominously for Bayern's rivals - there was no rustiness on display against Stuttgart on a perfect night for Vincent Kompany's troops.
"It's not just about how we start," the Belgian said. "We'll try to keep going with what we've been doing in recent years. It's only one game and only three points. We all start from zero. We've not won anything yet."
However, if the Bavarian giants continue to improve week after week, they could prove to be unstoppable once again. After all, even if Ballon d'Or candidate Kane doesn't find the net, there are always players like Olise, Kimmich and Saibari on the pitch, waiting to punish any mistakes.
